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February 11, 2010

From Storytelling to Advocacy

I am going out of town next week to present at two conferences, one in Wisconsin and one in Texas. At these conferences I always share my story and read from my personal journals written during my most painful moments. Presenting to teachers, mental health professionals, and others who are somewhat well-read in the subject of bipolar and mental illness, I know that I want to share my most intimate moments with the illness. I want to let them see the mindset and thoughts that go through someone's head while they are in an episode. I want them to be able to see what it is really like for someone suffering with a mental health condition because I know it will help them help those struggling with it. I know that through sharing my story I can create a compassion and empathy that cannot be found in psychology textbooks. I know that through honesty I can help them reach out to just one more person.

When it comes to the world outside the conference room I am not always as aggressively vocal about my deepest darkest moments. At least not right away. My way of sharing stories outside of the classroom or conference room is through honest answers to often simple questions. People may ask things like, "Why did you take a quarter off in your sophomore year?" And instead of running or come up with a lie on the spot, I simply tell them the truth: I had to take a medical leave because I was suffering with a severe depression and was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This usually turns into a question and answer session, "what is it like to have bipolar disorder?" "what is it like to be hospitalized?" "tell me about your medications". And often times, if it doesn't produce questions I often tell them flat out, "Feel free to ask me questions, I'm not embarrassed".

Oftentimes in the "real world" of offices or classrooms or living-rooms people may not bring up mental health conditions, and if they do, the fear, misinformation, and misunderstanding is enormous. It is in these times that we (those who have a mental health condition, and those who know anyone who does) need to speak out. Be brave when you hear, "Oh my god she was like soooo bipolar! That's like the worst roommate to have!" Be brave and say, "that must have been hard for you to live with someone having such a hard time. I hope that you provided her with the support she needed. I am bipolar, so I know it's so hard to foster healthy relationships when you're in an episode..." It is in these moments when you give them the "she doesn't know what she's talking about" and try to inform and not get mad.

I get mad about injustice. Alot. I get mad when people make fun of others for any reason. When people are unfair or unkind to someone they know nothing about. But it is important that we don't get mad. If we want to make a difference we must be the stronger man (or woman) and simply inform. Tell your story: Let people see the face of mental illness and know that it looks just like everyone else, just like theirs. Provide information: Help people find resources to get better informed. Let them know how many people actually deal with mental health issues.

Here are some of BringChange2Mind's thoughts on what you can do to make a change:

Speak Up

The general population is largely unaware of the number of people with mental illness; because of this, the stigma of mental illness is a “hidden stigma.”

•Strong evidence shows that contact between the general public and people with mental illness may be an effective approach to significant and lasting attitudinal changes.

•The stories and experiences of people who live with mental illness, and corresponding stigma, may have the greatest impact.

•People who come out about their disease find significant release in no longer having to keep it a secret. This reduction in stress can aid in treatment, as well as improve relationships, job satisfaction and support from family members.

•Unfortunately, coming out may lead to social disapproval and possible housing or employment discrimination. However, being open about your disease may allow you some protection against discrimination through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

•Strength in Numbers: The World Health Organization has done research that suggests that nearly half of adults will experience some form of mental illness in their lifetimes. The more people realize that people affected by mental illness are “just like me,” the easier it will be to live with any form of mental illness.

Watch your Language

•Refrain from using terms like “crazy,” “nuts”, “psycho” and “lunatic”.

•Say someone “has schizophrenia”, or “has bi-polar disorder” rather than calling the person a “schizophrenic” or “they’re bi-polar.”

•Although correcting someone else’s use of language might not be a good approach, you should always try to watch your own.

Yo Chica - GM here. Love your blog. Talked to mom the other day. Really cool chick.I'd like to chat sometime. I'd like to help you get around the 'need to tell' the deepest and darkest. In order to break the stigma, we need to keep our friends close and our enemies closer. And this means we shouldn't give the critics/nay-sayers any more info than necessary. Fanning the fire per say. Give a shout ands I'll explain why information is power and how to preserve it. Greg

One of the main reasons I share so many personal stories and silly stories about my son in my blog is to let people know that people who have bipolar disorder are not all drama, all the time. My son is one of the most enjoyable people I know. And yes, he goes up and down and he can be very raw at times but he is also very creative, energetic, passionate, loving, and fun. And many others agree as he is also one of the most social creatures I have ever met :)

Just stopped by here from your mom's blog. Got there from BC2M facebook site. Your mom is a tremendous force over there and really doing some great work. However, I stopped by to tell YOU how utterly impressed I am with you. You are a very bright and articulate young woman with a LOT to offer young people with regard to learning about mental illness. I have suffered with Bipolar disorder for most of my 42 years on this planet, starting from my pre-teen years. How I wish I would have had a friend like you to know, to grow with and to understand. You are doing amazing things to release the stigma of mental illness as it relates to our youth. I don't want to sound condescending or "mommish", but I am REALLY proud of you. No wonder your mother is always talking about you! You really are a shining star and I know you are going to do amazing things with your life. Thank you for your candid dialogue and your no holds barred attitude. You are a very brave young woman.